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Sophomore safety Jalen Catalon knows the first rule of being a ball-hawk. Get to the ball. Hard. And to his credit, Lake Ridge RB Darrius Lee held onto the catch. Just a hard-nosed football play. Video by Matthew Martinez. mmartinez@star-telegram.com

Sophomore safety Jalen Catalon knows the first rule of being a ball-hawk. Get to the ball. Hard. And to his credit, Lake Ridge RB Darrius Lee held onto the catch. Just a hard-nosed football play. Video by Matthew Martinez. mmartinez@star-telegram.com

Legacy sophomore made a sudden impact at the varsity level

Mansfield Legacy sophomore defensive back Jalen Catalon on Wednesday was named The Associated Press Class 5A Defensive Player of the Year in voting by AP sports editors.

“I would love to see somebody better,” Legacy coach Chris Melson said of Catalon. “I mean he’s as good as I’ve seen, and I’ve thought all year long that he’s the best defensive player around. I say he’s the best in Texas.

“Every coach I talked to all year long said the same thing: That No. 5 [Catalon’s jersey], that No. 5. Man, who’s that No. 5?”

Voting was based on regular-season performance. In 10 games, Catalon, the only 10th-grader on the first or second team, recorded 150 tackles, four interceptions, four forced fumbles, 3 tackles for loss and eight pass breakups.

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“I don’t know how you could have a better season if you’re a senior, junior or a sophomore,” Melson added. “I’m so proud of him. That is awesome. He’s an impact player, and I think this is well-deserved.”